Korean Girl's Review of Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria in Eagan, Minnesota

Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria in Eagan, Minnesota is only one of their many locations in the Twin Cities, and gourmet is not overstating this pizza chain. Although it looks like average take out, the difference is immediately noted in the taste and texture of their pizzas. It definitely ranks above your average takeout, and paired with an extensive selection in pizza specialties and side items (including tempting calzones and--get this--nearly authentic tiramisu), I don't think you can go wrong here. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's Eagan location is a bit difficult to find, however, and I was not too dazzled with some of the toppings on my specialty Thai Shrimp pizza. Overall, though, Eagan's Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria location gets a Highly Recommended spot on our list. Here's my review of Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria in Eagan, Minnesota.

Review: Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's Location
Can I say this again? Location matters. If people can't find your restaurant easily, you're not likely to have them return. We had a bit of trouble finding Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's Eagan location, and unfortunately they do not list clear directions on their website. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria is largely a delivery pizza chain, so I suppose they would not focus on that aspect, but clearer directions would really help out. Mapquest? Even more disastrous. We spun around Eagan for good 15 minutes before we accidentally discovered it, snuggled against a small strip mall along the highway. The hardest things to find are often there in plain sight, apparently.

Review: Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's Appearance
This really is irrelevant. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's Eagan location is purely a takeout or delivery pizza chain, just like Dominos. You either order from the store and take it home or have it delivered to your house. Do not expect to have a place to sit down to enjoy your meal. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria is not a restaurant (really wish it was, though!).

Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria is pretty bare bones, so don't expect to be dazzled by its appearance. Its focus is in the quality of their pizzas.

Review: Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's Service
We didn't have a problem with the service. The cashier was very patient and helpful, made the pizza himself, and delivered everything in a courteous fashion. He didn't look bored or inattentive when we talked with him, which I'm sure everyone appreciates when they order food. Or not.

Even if you don't, Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's service is excellent. I received my pizza, custom made by him, in around 15 minutes. You can watch him make the pizza from start to finish, which is comforting if you're wary about not seeing how your pizza is created.

Review: Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's Food
Many, many specialty pizzas. A curious selection of side items. Affordably priced. I was very excited with some of their more unique specialty pizzas while my fiancé stuck with his old favorite, cheese. Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria has a variety of pizzas, calzones, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and even desserts available to order, including tiramisu and creme brulee cheesecake. Not many pizza chains offer real desserts, so this is very refreshing.

As you might have guessed, I ordered a very unique specialty pizza. I guess it's not unique if you're from the cities and eat out a lot, but for a small town girl from rural Minnesota, it was enough to make me go wow and raise the eyebrows of the nearby cashier. I ordered the Thai Shrimp pizza (eagerly, I might add), while my fiancé opted for plain cheese. He's a classic Virgo so I wasn't going to convince him to try something more daring like, say, pepperonis. He likes to play it safe.

We also ordered Garlic Cheese Bread. I wanted to try the Hummus platter, but my fiancé wasn't having any of it.

Anyhow, I was not pleased to see the toppings on my Thai Shrimp pizza were...meager, to say the least. The shrimp was itty bitty, there was only a slight sprinkling of toppings, and it didn't look too appetizing. Apparently I didn't read the menu description too well--to quote their official menu brochure, it is supposed to include "succulent baby shrimp". Doy. On the other hand, his pizza was dripping with cheese. Yum. I fed it to him in little bites as we drove back.

Although my side didn't look very appetizing, it was actually very, very delicious. The crust was crunchy yet soft, the cheese melted in my mouth, and every bit of those "meager" toppings were seasoned just right. I haven't had Thai food before, so I can't say if it really tastes like it, but it did taste good. The garlic cheese bread was the clear winner, though, and the cheese was something else. I can't really explain it. Buttery, crunchy, and rich from first bite to last. I really want more of that garlic cheese bread.

Review: Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria's Price
Umbria Gourmet Pizza is decent when it comes to prices. A medium (what we ordered--and plenty enough) will run you about $16.00. Most of their other entrees and sides are under $10.00. Their desserts, which I did not order unfortunately, are all under $5.00. It does not appear prices vary from its Eagan location. There is a slight delivery charge if you do not pick it up, however, but that's pretty obvious and self explanatory.

Final Verdict: Highly Recommended
Our review of Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria in Eagan, Minnesota finally ends here, and I (both me and my fiancé) highly recommend this place. Not the place to go to if you're looking for a quiet sit down restaurant, but if you want easy, delicious pizza delivered to your door, Umbria Gourmet Pizzeria is a safe bet. It sure is a refreshing alternative to popular pizza chains such as Dominos or Pizza Hut.